UK Wind Market Increases Thanks to Homes and Farms

The United Kingdom is definitely ahead of the game when it comes to wind power, despite America’s claims to the contrary. The entire UK wind sector equated to 2.389 gigawatts in 2007 up from 1.962 gigawatts in 2006, and is expected to continue to grow.

However these statistics only take into account the large scale wind farms that are sprouting across the country. What they fail to take into account, are the individual wind turbines that are being installed on homes, businesses and farms.

According to a new report by the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA), 7,844 private wind systems were set to be installed this year, 4385 more than in 2007.

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The first BWEA Small Wind Systems UK Market Report indicated that the UK would see the three uninterrupted years of small systems technology continue to grow through 2008 and into 2009. This growth, measuring an increase of 80%, leaves the UK at the top of the pile for small systems technology.

“With large economic and export opportunities at stake, the UK is in an ideal position to support a strong manufacturing industry in a fast growing global sector, with the potential of delivering tens of thousands of UK based jobs,” said Alex Murley, BWEA Small Systems Manager.

BWEA projects that in 2009, a total of 13,611 small wind turbines will be installed across the country, making for a total of 27,866 by the end of next year.

Of course, though that is several many thousands, it doesn’t add up to much in terms of overall electrical generation. Each turbine is capable of generating around 50 kilowatts of electricity. But when the turbine is hooked straight into your home or business, it’s taking you off the grid. That’s why the total of 14.73 megawatts generated in 2007, and the estimated increases to 32.38 MW in 2008 and 64.34 mw in 2009 are no less important that the large-scale wind farms.

More on Wind Technology at Green Options

US Wind Energy Generation Tops 20 Gigawatts
US Kind of a World Leader in Wind Power Generation
Alternative Energy in Britain: All Wind And No Farm
UK to Spend £100bn on Renewable Energy

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